Spectators hoping to celebrate British Olympic medals with a drink at the
Games face paying the equivalent of more than £7 for a pint of beer,
organisers have said.

Bars at the official Games venues will charge £4.80 for a small serving of London 2012 red wine. For visitors with an appetite for traditional British fare, a portion of cod and chips will set them back at least £8.

The London 2012 organisers, who published sample menus yesterday, claimed the prices were “more than comparable” to catering costs at other sporting events.

The public reaction was less forgiving, with Twitter users describing the announcement as “a shocker”.

An estimated 14 million meals will be served to spectators across 40 locations during the Games.

Paul Deighton, chief executive of London 2012, said the organisers had “gone to great lengths” to find “high quality, tasty food that celebrates the best of Britain”.

"We believe that our prices are more than comparable to those found at other major sporting events, which because of their temporary nature are often more expensive than the high street,” he said.

A 330ml bottle of Heineken lager at the Games will cost £4.20, making the equivalent price of a pint £7.23. This is more than double the national average price of £3.17 for a pint of beer.

Spectators will pay £2.10 for a toasted teacake, £2.30 for a 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola and £2 for a cup of tea.

A family of four should be able to buy food and drinks for under £40, according to London 2012.

Spectators will be allowed to take their own food to the Games but must carry it in soft bags rather than cool boxes. Visitors will be banned from bringing their own alcohol to the venues.

The Olympic menus are intended to emphasis the international and multicultural nature of the event, with curries, jerk chicken and Singapore noodle dishes alongside traditional British favourites such as toasted teacakes and porridge.

The details were released as the RMT union raised the prospect of another strike by transport workers during the Games.

Staff operating London’s network of bicycles for hire, known as “Boris Bikes” in reference to Mayor Boris Johnson, are demanding £1,000 bonuses for working during the Olympics. The RMT’s general secretary, Bob Crow, announced that the union would ballot members over industrial action.

Transport ministers and the London Mayor have urged London residents to cycle to work during the Games in order to reduce overcrowding on the Underground and commuter trains.